About my practice:

As a clinical social worker and registered play therapist for over fifteen years, I work with clients of all ages, especially children ages 3-12, and their families. My approach incorporates Child Centered Play Therapy, solution-focused and cognitive behavior therapy techniques to strengthen coping skills for social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Working with clients and their families to help them function more peacefully and effectively takes close collaboration, humor, humility, and an open mind. As needed, I consult with doctors, teachers, diagnosticians, and, of course, parents in creating a treatment plan and throughout the time that a client sees me. Though I bring experience, knowledge, and training to my work, I deeply respect that clients know what is best for themselves.

The areas in which I have particular expertise include:

• Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), an evidence-based mental health intervention for general functioning and well-being of children, anxiety disorders and symptoms, and disruptive disorders and behaviors. CCPT is included by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Practices (NREPP), an initiative of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an effective treatment that is supported by rigorous research (http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/landing.aspx)

• Play Therapy as a way to work with clients for whom traditional talk therapy is not a fit (such as adult clients with developmental disabilities or children and adolescents who like expressive arts activities)